Prevalence and association of high-intensity lesions with degenerative processes in lumbar intervertebral discs

Authors : Zafer Soydan, Emru Bayramoğlu

Pages : 113-120

Doi:10.17826/cumj.1415779

View : 39 | Download : 77

Publication Date : 2024-03-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: This population-based cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of high-intensity zones (HIZ) in the lumbar spine and their relationship to age, gender, disc degeneration, disc displacement (bulging or herniation), and facet joint degeneration. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on MRI studies of 800 patients (4000 discs) who were admitted to the hospital with subacute-chronic low back pain (LBP) and presented with axial pain (musculogenic-discogenic-mechanic) at outpatient clinics. The frequency of speed was determined by considering a total of seven age categories in decades. Correlation analyses were performed between HIZ and other variables. Results: The prevalence of HIZ was 30%, highest in the >70 years age group and lowest in the <20 years age group. Significant correlations were found between these lesions and L2-3-4-5 level disc degeneration, L3-L4 level disc displacement, and L1-2-3 level facet joint degeneration. There was a significant correlation between HIZ and age, but not with gender. These lesions were most commonly associated with Grade 3 disc degeneration. Conclusions: HIZ likely contributes to the development of discogenic LBP. The prevalence of HIZ was approximately 30%, with substantial age-related variations. A level-based association was observed between HIZ and disc degeneration, disc displacement, and facet joint degeneration in patients with LBP.
Keywords : Yüksek yoğunluk alanları, YYA, disk dejenerasyonu, disk bulging, disk herniasyonu, faset eklem dejenerasyonu, MRG